The Progress Report
Huntsville City Schools News & Updates: Sept. 9, 2022
HCS Announces New Partnership with Local Community Colleges
Representatives from Huntsville City Schools, Calhoun Community College, and Drake State Community & Technical College met at Grissom High School to announce a new partnership which will benefit Career Technical Education (CTE) students after high school graduation.
The initiative, Graduate Ready with Opportunities to Work (GROW), provides CTE graduates with an opportunity to earn a total of twelve scholarships which will cover education and tuition costs for a year at both Calhoun and Drake State Community Colleges.
“It is imperative that we continue to work together to set the community vision for meeting the needs of both our graduates and our workforce,” said HCS Superintendent Christie Finley, adding that the partnership “is a win-win for all involved.”
Read more at huntsvillecityschools.org.
Dates & Deadlines
View the HCS Calendar for a complete listing of district-level dates and to learn more about each event.
- September 7: Progress Reports Sent Home
- September 9: 2023-24 Academic Calendar Survey Opens
- September 20: BOE Meeting
- September 22: 2023-24 Academic Calendar Survey Closes
- September 23: Free & Reduced Meal Application Deadline
- September 30: Gifted Referral Window Closes
- September 30: E-Learning Day & End of First Nine Weeks
- October 3-7: Fall Break (Students/Teachers)
- October 6-7: Fall Break (All Campuses/Offices Closed)
- October 13: BOE Work Session
- October 14: Report Cards Go Home
District Announcements
2023-24 Academic Calendar Survey Open
Huntsville City Schools is seeking your input on the development of the 2023-2024 academic calendar. In order to maximize time for teaching and learning, parent/teacher conferences, and teach collaboration, the district is considering two possible calendars.
Please complete this Panorama survey by September 22, 2022.
Magnet Program Student Shadow Days
- Academy for Academics and Arts: Shadowing offered by request beginning the week of September 12th- March 2023. Please contact asia.hester@hsv-k12.org and elizabeth.moore@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- Academy for Science and Foreign Language: Shadowing offered by request beginning the week of September 12th- March 2023. Please contact jennifer.mason@hsv-k12.org and keitra.payne@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- Academy for Gifted and Talented: Please contact Fisher.Hedgman@hsv-k12.org or Marquetta.Gradford-Hope@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- Columbia High IB Programme: Fall Shadowing Dates (9/13-14; 10/11-12; 11/8-9; 12/6-7) limit 3 students per day. Please contact morgan.mccants@hsv-k12.org or karlton.lecompte@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- College Academy at Jemison High School: Fall Shadowing Dates (9/19-23; 10/17-21; 11/14-18) limit 2 students per day. Please contact tyrone.jones@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- Performing and Creative Arts at Lee High School: Fall Shadowing Dates (9/13-14; 10/18-19; 11/15-16) limit 3 students per day. Please contact megan.carroll@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
- New Century Technology High School: Shadowing offered by request beginning the week of September 19th- March 2023. Please contact Chris.Sims@hsv-k12.org for additional information.
AAA Recertified as Magnet School of Distinction
The distinction means that not only is AAA recognized from a national organization, but they are a part of an elite group of magnet schools that demonstrate excellence, committed to continually growing and providing high-quality, innovative curriculum and instructional programs that promote academic excellence for all students.
The faculty and staff of AAA as well as students, families, and partners should be commended for their active roles in supporting efforts and striving for excellence!
September is Attendance Awareness Month
September is Attendance Awareness Month. Strong attendance is crucial to student achievement. The Student Welfare and Social Services Department serves the students, families, and staff of Huntsville City Schools. The department includes student support in the areas of attendance, discipline, truancy, and social services.
HCS Teacher Earns Special Certification
The Kodály concept and approach to music education begins with the singing voice, utilizing culturally relevant musical material to teach concepts such as rhythm, melody, form, and expression. In a Kodály classroom, children engage in activities that reinforce skills related to cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Kodály certification is a rigorous process that requires a two-week commitment over three summers. During that time, Ms. Coe engaged in pedagogical activities, folk song research, skill development in choir and conducting, and ear-training activities meant to further the development of her own musicianship.
Way to Go, Ms. Coe!
2022-23 ACAP Information
Our schools are sending home results on the ACAP taken during the spring. We encourage you to review this report because it contains assessment results for your child. This information outlines how your child is doing related to course of study standards.
ACAP, which stands for the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program, is an online assessment designed to provide students, parents, teachers, administrators, and Alabama residents with information regarding student progress toward mastery of the Alabama Course of Study Standards. Students in grades 2-8 take assessments covering English language arts and math. Students in grades 4, 6, and 8 are also tested in science.
Learn more and find resources at huntsvillecityschools.org/acap.
HCS & City of Huntsville Announce Plans for New Central Office & Career Tech Academy
A new central office and career & technical education academy are coming to Huntsville.
The Huntsville City Council unanimously approved an agreement to donate approximately 14 acres of property to Huntsville City Schools (HCS). The property is located at the intersection of North Memorial Parkway and Max Luther Drive.
In addition to a new central office, HCS also plans to build a new career tech academy at that location.
“We are grateful and we are committed to being good stewards of this gift which will ultimately benefit 23,000 students and this community,” said HCS Superintendent Christie Finley. “At this new center, we will be able to increase student participation, increase partnerships, expand program opportunities, and ultimately help build our workforce here in Huntsville.
Read and see more at huntsvillecityschools.org.
Alabama DHR Announces Rollout of Summer P-EBT Benefits
Summer Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) benefits are rolling out to families with children who receive free or reduced-price school meals through the National School Lunch Program. Qualifying households will receive $391 for each participating student to purchase SNAP-eligible food at stores that accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. The benefits cover the summer months retroactively. Alabama is among the first states in the country to start issuing Summer P-EBT benefits for 2022. View story.
Free & Reduced Meal Application Deadline Less than a Month Away
If your child attends one the following Huntsville City Schools, you can complete a Free or Reduced School Meal Application for the 2022-23 school year:
- Challenger Elementary/Middle
- Goldsmith Schiffman Elementary
- Grissom High
- Hampton Cove Elementary/Middle
- Huntsville High
- Jones Valley Elementary
- Monte Sano Elementary
- Mountain Gap Elementary/Middle
- Weatherly Heights Elementary
Athletics Protocols for Fall
- Spectators may be subject to metal detectors upon entering venues.
- Clear bag policy will be in effect.
- Spectators are asked to purchase tickets through GoFan.
View bag restrictions and other protocols at huntsvillecityschools.org/athletics.
Registration Open for AlphaBest After-School Care
Pre-K Applications Reopened
HCS is Now Hiring
Huntsville City Schools
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